Getting knotted for a night with Paxo

I’m just kitting myself out for a curious task. Tonight I am the MC for The Media Society, who are going to give Paxo a lifetime’s achievement award.

Mr Paxman is known for his fine stuffings. Indeed, the climax of the evening will be provided by the former home secretary, Michael Howard, who found himself the recipient of the same question delivered no fewer than 12 times.

So I’ve had to find myself the right tie. Fortunately, today was one of those days when a box with 50 of them arrived from the maker (see below). I chose my five and slipped a cheque into the box and gave it back to the driver who brought it.

But who is adequate to the task of toasting Paxo? I shall be assisted by some who have worked with and for him – not least by my own editor, Jim Gray, who has had the unique experience of working with both of us.

And I have heard rumour that Rory Bremner has been seen snouting about in the Newsnight studio.

The evening’s doings will be posted on the Media Society website.